What a difference a year makes.

I remember my dad saying that phrase growing up.

As Christmas is tomorrow and we quickly approach the start of a new year I find this phrase floating around in my thoughts as of late.

Upon reflection this past year, I have managed to check off many of the 'To Do' & 'To See' from my lists. These lists primarily composed while driving around country roads, climbing in trees, playing hide & seek at the farm and on the swing my cousins and I built, dreaming of the lives we would live.. someday.

And I realize someday never really arrives.

Rather, we are living this day.

Someday is always a distant and far off day, no matter what age we find ourselves at.

Maybe it is safe to say that we have been lead to believe when 'someday' arrives we will have it in our possession and we will find that change and uncertainty will cease to be such a common part of our day to day. However this naive idea of the future we buy into is like 'trying to catch a cloud and pin it down',

This past week,an idea was shared of taking time to reflect upon our year and celebrate the things we have accomplished, the ways we have grown and overcome. To take time and write out these things so we can start the year off with gratitude, looking to the 'someday' with a sense of satisfaction and peace, that this journey we are on, will always bring us things we wish we could do better but to change the way we view it.

It is easy to find ourselves in a state of dissatisfaction and disappointment. How many New Years resolutions only lead us to feeling these things. Its great to have new goals, we should always challenge ourself to not be complacent.

But may I pass along this challenge, of taking time to take an honest look back at what you have learned, grown, done and accomplished this year and be grateful for all you have. Even if it hasn't gone exactly as you had hoped or you have faced tragedy or disappointment.

Someday will never come, but today is here.

What can you do today and how can you cultivate a genuine heart of gratitude for all you have...because friends we have been given so much, even in the midst of difficulties and disappointment. That's what I have come to understand. Here is to a new year, whatever may come!

Much love,

Happy Christmas. xx

Here are some of the highlights from my year and the people and opportunity I am grateful for in growing me and shaping me.